Editor:
Water – the elixir of life. Around here, the flow in mountain creeks dwindles in summertime and roars in the winter and spring. Halfmoon Creek runs through my place, so consequently I’m particularly interested in its health. The flow in Halfmoon Creek has dwindled to a trickle in summertime of late – this when our summers haven’t been particularly extreme. It’s probably representative of the local creeks.
Logging too close to creek borders has resulted in the loss of water retention where it’s most needed. Intact forest soils feed the creeks in a controlled manner during normal seasonal dry spells. Soils and the canopy over them protect a store of water and serve as a shield against solar radiation. Logged-over areas are hot, dry places in summer until significant regrowth occurs. Ground exposed to direct solar radiation loses moisture more quickly through evaporation. Creeks become flashy, draining the land too quickly. Soils are damaged when water runs off bared land.
A considerable loss of water retention has occurred in our watersheds. It needs time to recover. The mistakes of the past should inform what needs to be done (and not done) going forward.
Mature forest has the capacity to retain and slow-release water. Its ability to do so can be preserved through improved logging practices.
In particular, natural “sponges” bordering streams should be left untouched. Protection of riparian zones should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Anyone involved in decisions impacting water supply should understand the situation from first-hand experience and from reliable advisors.
We don’t want battles between the citizenry and the loggers. Forest products are important to our economy. Trees grow well here and it’s possible to harvest them well, which means careful husbandry and consideration for the other needs of the community. All things considered, water is higher priority than moneymaking.
As for the SCRD’s role, our local government is responsible for provision of water, and so needs to have more say in matters pertaining to watersheds.
Nicol Warn, Halfmoon Bay
